The nurse is caring for a client with a history of liver cirrhosis. Which complication should the nurse monitor for?
Ascites
Peripheral neuropathy
Pulmonary edema
Kidney stones
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Ascites, fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, is a common complication of liver cirrhosis due to portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia. It increases infection risk and discomfort, making it the priority to monitor, as early detection guides diuretic therapy and paracentesis.
Choice B reason: Peripheral neuropathy is not a primary cirrhosis complication, though it may occur in alcoholic liver disease. Ascites is more common, resulting from portal hypertension, making it the priority to monitor, as it directly reflects liver dysfunction and requires urgent management.
Choice C reason: Pulmonary edema is associated with heart failure, not cirrhosis. Ascites is a hallmark of cirrhosis, caused by portal hypertension and low albumin, making it the priority complication to monitor, as it indicates worsening liver function and requires immediate intervention.
Choice D reason: Kidney stones are unrelated to cirrhosis, which primarily causes ascites due to portal hypertension. Monitoring ascites is critical, as it reflects liver decompensation, increasing risks like spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, making it the priority over unrelated renal conditions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Serum creatinine assesses kidney function, not cardiac injury. While relevant for overall health, it does not confirm myocardial infarction. Troponin is specific to cardiac muscle damage, making it the priority test to diagnose acute coronary events in the emergency setting.
Choice B reason: Troponin levels are the gold standard for diagnosing myocardial infarction, as they rise within hours of cardiac muscle injury due to ischemia. High specificity for heart tissue makes troponin critical for confirming acute coronary syndrome, guiding urgent treatment in the emergency department.
Choice C reason: Complete blood count evaluates anemia or infection but is nonspecific for myocardial infarction. While useful for overall assessment, it does not detect cardiac injury. Troponin directly indicates heart muscle damage, making it the priority test for confirming the diagnosis.
Choice D reason: Blood glucose may be elevated in stress or diabetes but is not diagnostic for myocardial infarction. Cardiac-specific markers like troponin are essential for confirming heart injury, as glucose levels lack specificity for acute coronary events, making them secondary.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Warm compresses reduce morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles around inflamed joints. This alleviates synovial inflammation, improving mobility and comfort, making it a key nonpharmacologic intervention to manage early daily symptoms effectively.
Choice B reason: Restricting physical activity worsens stiffness and joint deformity in rheumatoid arthritis. Warm compresses are prioritized, as they directly reduce synovial inflammation and improve mobility, enabling gentle exercise, making complete activity restriction counterproductive to joint health and function.
Choice C reason: High-dose corticosteroids are reserved for severe rheumatoid arthritis flares, not routine morning stiffness. Warm compresses are safer, reducing stiffness through localized heat, improving joint function without systemic side effects, making them the priority intervention for daily symptom management.
Choice D reason: A high-sodium diet increases fluid retention, potentially worsening joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Warm compresses directly alleviate morning stiffness by enhancing circulation, making them the priority, as dietary sodium does not address acute joint symptoms effectively.
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